Porsche 911 GTS | PDK vs Manual | Part 3, Are Manuals More Fun?

[@gavinjonas2678]

I had a 2013 911 (997.2) Turbo S with PDK. Unbelievable power and handling when you are in the mood to shift. I found that i was driving it in automatic mode 95 % of the time. As I don't take cars to the track, couldn't enjoy full benefit of what the car has to offer. When you paddle shift, feels like the transmission is dropping out of the car. Just traded it in for a 2023 Carrera 4 GTS manual. Totally engaging every time I drive it. Thrilling beyond belief. I am biased for manual transmission as I also have a 2013 SRT VIPER GTS. Now that's a different animal.

[@wendycity99]

My vote goes with the manual But the PDK is awesome

[@itspronouncedjello]

Hey I know this video series is a couple of years old at this point, but I wanted to say thanks for taking the time to compare the two. A lot of people online and on the forums sing the praises of PDK and say they would never go back to a manual, but this reinforces my stance on staying with the traditional manual + 3 pedals even against PDK.

[@docj5031]

Daily Driver: PDK.... Drive for Fun: Manual

[@bkscott2010ss]

Homeboy got a little nervous there...lol

[@mrla6240]

Great video! Manual are more fun!

[@mohawk5010]

I’ve daily-driven manual cars 7 days a week since 2008 and shifting becomes second nature. Not a hassle, or an inconvenience. It’s a joy (if you have the right car, that is). Needless to say, the PDK is the best automatic transmission on the market and it is practically telepathic.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I agree with you about a driving a manual every day becoming second nature. All of my previous cars were manual and shifting was like breathing. Something you do and don't even think about.

[@jonasirw1]

Thank you! Time for a 992 update but the answer is always going to be manual regardless.

[@michaelhepworth962]

Your buddy should have just used the paddles to make your great series complete. I’ve had both and PDK feels more space aged. If you drive the car every day then PDK. If it’s to drive in weekends then stick. You can’t downshift from 2 to 1 going hard in manual but you can in PDK. Very well done video.

[@pedrowhite911]

As you two mentioned, it all comes down to perception of form and function. For me and where I live, manual is my preference. I daily mine and enjoy the engagement-even in traffic. Enjoy the choice that brings you the most joy!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Well said!

[@dwaynejohnson1159]

I'm living the banter between you and Milton. It's honest and sometimes hilarious yet you still manage to answer some of my key questions about the car. I'm now sold on the idea of my next car being a 911. I just need to find the right car for my budget and lifestyle. I will probably drive mine more like you do and not just as just as weekend playmate.. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to watching more of you videos.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I should mention that I owned a 997.2 generation 911 (mine was a year 2009) before the 991.1 generation (2015) I have now. My 991.1 version has been replaced with the current 992 version. But I loved the 997.2 and that's a great option for you to consider in your research as well. Some argue that the steering feel is better in the 997.2 because it has hydraulic steering. Honestly, I couldn't tell that huge of a difference, but people say the 997 is a good blend between the analog feel of an older 911 with a modern feel. Having said all that, I love my 991 generation car. It is no longer the latest version, but it's still so much fun to drive. And I love the naturally aspirated engine.

[@Hoonigan91]

The man pedal all day everyday

[@giancarloditommaso9679]

I have driven both also. But since I own a pdk that I always drive with paddles, once I drove a Manual I actually understood why lambo and Ferrari don’t do manual anymore. If you truly know how to drive your car with paddle you get the same feel as a Manual but are much quicker. My plan was to buy that manual GTS I tried but decided to stay with a PDK S. Imagine that...

[@chrismorar986]

Love it…👍🤓 I have 2001 Boxter S manual and 2022 Boxter GTS 4.0 PDK…but I live in Naples Florida and I don’t have the glorious road you guys drove… All the best🙏🤓 Chris M

[@paulearnshaw2789]

PDK every time 👍

[@vancityflyguy]

Awesome comparison. Great insight from both of you guys. It will be a difficult decision when i get to buy a 911 but i’ll pick the manual.

[@BHommard]

Btw, 991.1 GTS probably the best daily usuable Cars in the world with incredible fun factor!!!

[@jchang996]

Daily driver with periodic AutoX and Track Days ... PDK. Canyon carver, no traffic, weekend driver ... Manual. Really depends on what else is in your stable and how you drive. I would agree that manual can feel more engaging, just not faster. Then again, double paddle pull into neutral plus your own throttle blip in a corner, then a hard downshift and hammer the throttle on PDK out of the apex can feel just as rewarding as a clean manual shift 😬

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

You summed it up perfectly. I wanted to get the most fun out of this car, so I knew I would do autoX and track days in addition to spirited drives and long distance drives. On track, the PDK in Sports Plus in auto is fantastic. I am so glad I purchased a PDK equipped car for this purpose. I must admit, I don't attend track days that often, more often autoX. Since I am new to the track experience, the PDK allows me to focus more on my driving line, braking and turn in points. I am faster with PDK.

[@digdah]

Milton needs to smile a bit. I would love a manual but I would want to track the car more often than not. For that reason I feel the PDK will be a better buy for me when I can swing it.

[@douglaswischmd3426]

Loved your 3 videos.I sold my 911 S Cab 991.1 stick a year ago as I got crazy money for it. I have a 1988 targa that spent 10 months being restored and bought a 2007 Boxster stick with 8700 miles. Now I want a 911 again as miss that car and the Boxster is a little too small. I am having trouble finding a 991.1 stick and really only want a GTS. I found one at a dealer but is a PDK and am close to pulling the trigger but am concerned will miss a stick.all my past Porsche vehicles have been manual.as you said after 4 years you miss the manual. So this is a hard choice to make. Part of me says buy it as I still have my manual 1988 .

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Sorry for my delayed response. It is a dilemma: manual vs PDK. If I ever move from this GTS to a GT3, I will look for a manual GT3. Not sure that move will happen any time soon or ever. I do miss a manual but then I will go to an autocross event or have a spirited drive on one of my favorite twisty roads and fall in love with my car all over again. Although I can take control and use the paddles, I find myself leaving the shifts to the computer and still having a great time. I drove the PDK 718 Spyder, which has an even sharper tune for the PDK by the GT division and it was so much fun. I did not miss the manual!

[@phatCars]

I really enjoyed going along with you and your friend Milton and hearing both of your comments. I have a old school 997.1 C4S Cab with manual. I love driving the stick, but it depends on where I am driving and if I anticipate traffic! If I do anticipate traffic, I take one of my automatic cars. Which also has the benefit of me saving the Porsche for fun drives. As long as I a second car to drive I believe I will continue to enjoy having a stick shift Porsche in the stable.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

My previous two Porsches (2001 Boxster S and a 997.2 C2S) were both manuals and I enjoyed them. The Boxster S was my daily driver in Los Angeles! I don't mind a manual in heavy traffic. It just became second nature. And then out in the canyon roads, the manual was so much fun. But as you may gather in this video, I was really conflicted. I honestly enjoyed the experience both provide. The PDK has the added benefit of letting the car shift if you want (heavy traffic) or you can take over and shift yourself. And on the track, since I am new to tracking a car, I loved the PDK and was so glad I had it over a manual. On track, I left PDK in automatic set to Sport Plus and it was fantastic. So I really go back and forth between the two.

[@garyclarkin2238]

Love your videos Joe! I’ve got a 2016 Carrera 4 GTS in Agate with PDK, virtually same same as yours☺️I adore it!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

That is awesome!

[@wesleycherry3222]

Great video. Enjoy the faces you guys make on the drive lol.

[@brentlarson6931]

Great video, and great first hand info, thanks!

[@dinnaimo]

Hi Joe, I enjoy your videos quite a lot. The enjoyed the PDK vs Manual very much and recognized the roads. being a resident of Sherman Ct., and a cyclist, bike old art 22

[@oliverthorne1653]

I've had my share of manuals in my time and really enjoyed and like to enjoy from time to time today but at this stage of my life pdk for me.🤗

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, I go back and forth between a desire for manual and the PDK. I recently put on Michelin Pilot 4S tires on my GTS, so I went our for a spirited drive on a twisty road and fell in love with the PDK all over again (and the tires are great, too). It's a great transmission whether you control it manually or let it use it's own logic. When left on it's own, it always selects the right gear for the situation. PDK is awesome.

[@imkona87]

My 09 Carrera S is my 4th 911 since 1973 and the only non manual. I was on the fence about the PDK until I actually drove one. I just look at it as a manual transmission without the third pedal. My driving routine is to wait until all fluids are warm and then select Sport Plus with manual mode. After that I am fully engaged in selecting what gear I want to be in. To me, the only difference is I am not using my left foot. As I type this I am in the process of scheduling surgery on my left knee, which I broke a couple of days ago. No problem driving my 911 now and for the 6 weeks rehab after the surgery. Would be a different story if I had a manual transmission!

[@imkona87]

Another thing, I also have a 2010 Infiniti FX50 S that I purchased brand new. It has a nearly 400 Horsepower engine with paddle shifters. I pretty much drive it the same as the 911, manual sport mode and shifting with the paddles.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I wish you a speedy recovery on your knee surgery! I think about it like this: I want to "save the manuals" as much as the next driving enthusiasts but the PDK is a great transmission that gives the driver the best of both worlds. It's smart in automatic in Sports or Sports Plus, or, the driver can take over and control the shifts manually. One of the best transmissions on the market and it is engaging.

[@hl6306]

991.2 manual GTS C2 here. manual, because I can. so I went with manual.

[@bobh1572]

Joe, like you I have always driven a manual until my present car which is a an Audi TTS. In Europe you can still get an Audi TT with a manual. However, in the USA there is no manual option. The Audi Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is pretty good. It keeps the revs up in sport mode and matches revs on downshifts. For the most part I am happy with the DSG. I have never tracked my car. My sporty driving is limited to the hills of North Georgia. However, there are times that I miss the manual and long for the "engagement" that comes with having a manual. 😀

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

It's a shame that more cars such as your Audi TTS don't come with a manual option. But it sounds like the DSG system is pretty good. So the car is still fun and that's most important. On track, I love the PDK and although a manual is more engaging, I am glad I had the PDK for track use. As you can see from part one of this series, I really, really have fun with my PDK. I can switch to manual control and it's super-fun. But a manual is a unique and positive experience. And, I must admit, it's very engaging.

[@epipen1033]

Hey Joe! Thanks for the great videos! I'm looking at 987.2 Cayman's (pretty much for track use only) and this has confirmed my feelings: even though a PDK is faster and smoother at any given track, I still want the engagement of a traditional manual. Thank you! Are you in the Hudson Valley? I'm from the Albany area and those roads remind me of NYS Rte 9 running parallel to the Hudson.

[@vitor_fg]

Excelent comparison!

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@firekrave1]

Ive had both. Now that I don’t have a manual anymore, I’ll be replacing my S with a GT4.

[@hpman911]

Greetings from London Joe, really enjoy your channel. I had a 997.2 GT3 from new which I part exchanged last year for a year old PDK 991.2 Turbo S. Loved the manual GT3 however in the London traffic the clutch became very heavy even though it’s not my daily driver. I do tend to use the Turbo S a little more than I did the GT3 and I’m finding the PDK quite a revelation and really enjoy the option of using it in both PDK and “PDK manual”. If I lived in the country with little traffic the decision would be more difficult! I tend to think the modern turbo range of 911s seem to suit the PDK box better than when they were normally aspirated.Are you looking to change yours for the 992 GTS when it becomes available?

[@dinnaimo]

Cont. I bike Old 22 and area roads. I’m excited because I have ordered a 992 911C2S to be built in February and due for arrival early spring in Agate Gray. Would love to meet yo guys sometime for coffee and chat.

[@Freshwilliams126]

Great video. Thanks for the info

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blackfunkydrummer1]

A PDK allows for two hand handling on the wheel while driving at high speeds and takes a lot of "guessing" out of gear choice, but the manual is a REAL sports car. That's just the way it is.

[@11962]

Thats a great road.to.have some fun....where is this at?

[@WheresTheAnyKey1]

mind if I go test drive both your cars'? : D I've got me eye set on a 991.2 GTS, but maybe I'll be impatient and jump into a 991.1 GTS BOTH ARE A THING OF BEEEEAAUTY, thanks Joe! surprised you'd take the manual, but I guess if you don't have to drive it in manhattan traffic then yea makes sense.

[@jeffhamler2609]

Very impressed sir

[@gtb5]

I must have a manual for one of my cars.

[@reptilianttt]

997 manual daily 12 yrs... drives better every year

[@daniellewis9240]

I wonder if Mr. Milton was given the polo as a gift for his many voyeges.

[@mrmj4952]

Not a gift.. Retired Govt Service

[@peterpoppe4855]

A 911 is a driver's car, so manual it ought to be. Such a shame Porsche is reserving it's manual gears only to the "S"-versions and above. Mr Hutchinson : do bear in mind that manual is deemed to disappear so if you do want a new 911 it might be the 992 is the last one witch you can get with a manual gear...

[@aviator-kn8zq]

PDK with sport/ sport plus mode is really fun too. Are you gonna review a 992 Carrera manual or the standard Carrera Joe?

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I hope to get my hands on a 992 Carrera S soon. It may be PDK. Fingers crossed!

[@michaelhepworth962]

Two additional comments. If you’re a passenger it’s much better being in a PDK car and replacing the clutch is expensive in a manual.

[@aveenmahabal]

electrics are coming, everything will feel like effortless PDK, Electrics will be faster. I'm choosing the manual.

[@jstoli996c4s]

Buy which transmission you like best. Who the heck cares what anyone else thinks? It’s your money, enjoy it :)

[@bfdz94]

My vote is for manual but I've never driven PDK

[@bobkrinsky2117]

your vote has been cancelled, go drive a PDK and I will allow your vote.

[@bfdz94]

Bob Krinsky haha fair enough

[@Mustlehard]

Damn so this was filmed a full year ago

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

Yes, it was filmed July 2019, waaaay before COVID. Because of my job, it was hard to find time to do the edit. I have a lot of footage on hard drives waiting for an edit. I got to get on it!

[@Trillzzy3]

What do you suggest my income be before I buy a used Porsche Cayman

[@gx4702]

let me know if youre ever selling Joe!!!

[@AntonSlizzardhands]

Will you guys ever buy Panameras?

[@Dua2a3]

Fun = Manual. Fast = PDK.

[@Joe_Hutchinson]

I am new to tracking my 911 and on Watkins Glen International, the PDK was amazing. Left in Sport Plus, it made excellent decisions and therefore I was able to focus on my line, braking, etc.. I am sure I was faster because of the PDK and I am o glad I have PDK when it comes to track events. On a country road, I enjoyed Milton's manual. It was fun.

[@reptilianttt]

Like i tell everyone.. sports car must be stick...pdk trying to mk owner feel kool as if he is shifting... fake life

[@SMcda]

i knew that was coming, manual is more pure

[@jeffhamler2609]

Very impressed sir